US Battery Manufacturing Boost Helps Industry & Community

The Biden-Harris administration has pledged US$3 bn to supercharge America's prowess in battery manufacturing, with mining firms set to gain significantly.

This hefty financial injection is poised to reinforce the nation’s foundational elements for electric vehicle (EV) battery and energy storage solutions, marking a significant leap towards technological autonomy.

Under the eye of the US Department of Energy (DOE), which promotes cutting-edge energy technology and bolstering energy independence, a bounty of funds is slated for disbursement amongst 25 beacon projects sprawled across 14 states.

This initiative features a staggering investment of US$16bn into America’s formidable battery industry.

In a move that spotlights the synergy between innovation and industry, Albemarle secures a substantial US$67m.

This financial fuel will power the transformation of a facility near Charlotte, North Carolina, enabling it to churn out commercial-grade anode material destined for the heart of next-generation EV batteries. Albemarle, a titan in speciality chemicals, harnesses its expertise across three pivotal divisions: lithium, bromine specialties and catalysts.

"The Biden-Harris administration is using every available tool to onshore and friend-shore the supply chain for EVs and batteries, working with our allies and partners, for the benefit of our national security, our economy, and our planet." says John Podesta, Senior Advisor to President Biden for International Climate Policy.

Not to be outdone, Canadian titan SWA Lithium alongside Texas-based TerraVolta Resources bagged the lion’s share of support, with each entity receiving a hearty $225 million. These funds are earmarked for the advancement of raw materials crucial for EV battery construction.

SWA's ambitious undertaking in West Arkansas is set to be a cornerstone of the industry, with projections indicating the potential to yield up to 45,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate over a steadfast lifespan of two decades.

The infusion of capital will catalyse advancements across the board, encompassing solid-state batteries, recycling endeavours, silicon-anode development, and the production of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.

"Today's game-changing announcement is helping support the technologies that we need in the market today, the components that we will need in the near future, and the innovative technologies we need to advance our vision for a circular domestic battery supply chain." says Ali Zaidi, White House National Climate Advisor.

Within the realm of battery technology, solid-state offerings emerge as a beacon of hope, promising enhanced safety protocols and superior energy density over their lithium-ion counterparts.

Meanwhile, silicon-anode innovation represents a frontier in augmenting battery capacity, and LFP batteries highlight a path towards stability and cost-efficiency.

Transformative job creation & community benefits

The deployment of these groundbreaking projects is anticipated to spark a surge in employment, promising over 8,000 construction roles and 4,000 operational positions. This burgeoning job market is boosted by the administration's ambition to cultivate lucrative employment opportunities within the green energy sector.

A large majority of these initiatives have played a role in Project Labor Agreements, setting the stage for equitable and fair employment conditions across significant construction endeavours.

Among the ranks of union allies, we find North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU), the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), and the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry, spotlighting a united front in this transformative epoch.

In an alignment with President Biden's Justice40 Initiative, which aspires to funnel a significant portion of federal funds towards disadvantaged communities historically sidelined or burdened by environmental adversities, nearly 90% of these projects have staked their grounds in or near these communities. 

This strategic location underscores a commitment to redressing past neglect and fostering inclusivity.

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